Contributed by Katie Stark
John Houghton, DO, has joined the medical practice of Mat-Su Women’s Health Specialists in Palmer. Houghton is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology.
“Dr. Houghton is a great addition to our medical team,” said practice manager, Melissa Redick. “His expertise will be a valuable asset to our growing community of patients.”
Houghton relocated from Des Moines, Iowa, where he practiced for 12 years. His first day at Mat-Su Women’s Health Specialists was April 22nd.
Houghton is proficient in a broad spectrum of women’s health procedures, including endometrial ablation, hysterectomies, basic infertility treatment and laparoscopic surgeries.
Houghton earned his medical degree at De Moines University in Iowa and completed residencies at Akron Medical Center in Akron, Ohio and Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio. He originally planned to become an emergency medicine physician, but was drawn to obstetrics
during residency training.
“I loved the baby part of it,” he said, when describing the reason he changed specialties.
Houghton’s path into medicine was somewhat unconventional. Prior to his medical training, he attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy where he received a bachelor of science degree in marine transportation. After graduation, Houghton was employed by Exxon to work on oil tankers, a job that helped pave the way to medical school.
As a doctor, Houghton has found that his strengths lie in his ability to connect with patients and their families.
“It’s not just clinical, it’s about the family part of the job too,” he said.
Houghton will soon be joined in Alaska by his wife and two daughters, ages 15 and 17. During his free time, he enjoys his outdoor hobbies of hunting, bicycling and backpacking. Houghton is a lover of mountains and enjoys the challenge of sheep and goat hunting. He has traveled to Kazakhstan, Nepal, Mongolia, Azerbaijan and Russia for hunting trips.
About Mat-Su Women's Health Specialists:Mat-Su Women's Health Specialists in Palmer, Alaska provides healthcare for women at every age and stage of life. Their team of providers offers women’s wellness services including annual women’s health exams, prenatal care, menopause treatment, high-risk pregnancy care and delivery. Call 907-746-7747 to make an appointment. Mat-Su Women’s Health Specialists also has tele-health/virtual visits available. For more information, visit www.MatSuWomen’sHealth.com.
